220 
SILENE SPECIOSA. 
other woody vegetation, may be added. It is a mistake to put much sand in 
the soil used for such plants as the present ; for fine sand, instead of keeping soil 
very porous and friable, actually helps to consolidate it, as every cultivator may 
readily determine. Fragments of broken stone are far more proper ingredients, 
and should be employed freely. 
A dry and airy position in a greenhouse will suit this plant extremely well. 
It will also thrive well in a pit, where it can be planted out, provided it be duly 
attended to in winter, to keep it from damping off. To bring it to any high 
degree of perfection, it must have a larger pot than usual, with the soil a little 
enriched, and the drainage rendered particularly good. It may be increased by 
division, or by cuttings. 
